On Saturday this weekend, between so-called Black Friday and Cyber Monday, a day is set to emphasize local small businesses -- such as the Bulletin – which create jobs, boost the community’s economy, use profits locally and preserve neighborhoods.

The Bulletin will be open all day on "Small Business Saturday," selling subscriptions, advertising packages, back issues and talking about the most intriguing and amazing news of Lincoln County.

A Bulletin subscription is a gift that lasts throughout the year. The price is just $30 for all 52 issues delivered to the mailbox.

A few visitors will receive a $25 gift card and could get a one-year subscription for just $5.

The Bulletin will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at our headquarters at 1300 East 4th, east of Merrick’s Restaurant.

Stop by Saturday and you will also have a chance to win $5,000 in American Express Gift Cards.

Small Business Saturday is a national program that began three years ago. Mayor Marc Kaschke said small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy, offering unique gifts and special services, and accounting for 64% of all new U.S. jobs in the last 15 years.

Kaschke officially proclaimed Tuesday as Small Business Saturday in a ceremony downtown at the Espresso Shoppe.

Shopping local and small is the goal of several North Platte programs, such as First Thursdays, when dozens of stores stay open until 8 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, as well as the Shop Live, Shop Local, Save Local promotion spearheaded by Hirschfeld’s Clothing.

Alan Hirschfeld joined Kaschke Tuesday at the Espresso Shoppe. He said downtown merchants are known for local products and fines services at good prices.

Also, Stephanie Phye, the new owner of The Espresso Shoppe was on hand. She took over the operation on Nov. 1.